Entrepreneurship and Business Support

The Open Call Grant for Entrepreneurship and Business Support is part of the Patterson Family Foundation’s Economic Opportunity initiative, which aims to strengthen rural economies by fostering robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. This grant is designed to support programs that help entrepreneurs in rural Kansas and western Missouri start, sustain, and scale their businesses. With a focus on building access to mentorship, technical support, and strategic programming, this opportunity targets regions where small businesses play an essential role in economic stability and community vitality. The Foundation believes that a thriving entrepreneurial environment is critical to long-term economic resilience in rural areas. Eligible projects may include the development of mentorship networks, coaching programs, technical assistance offerings, and business development initiatives that provide entrepreneurs with the tools and support necessary for success. In addition, applicants may propose efforts to recruit new entrepreneurs into their communities or strengthen networking and resource-sharing infrastructure. The overarching goal is to expand access to services while reinforcing the local entrepreneurial infrastructure—whether through accelerators, business resource centers, or formalized partnerships with community-based institutions. Applicants must report on several performance indicators, including the number of entrepreneurs served, the types of services offered, the business outcomes observed, and any new partnerships or ecosystem connections formed. The Foundation encourages applicants to implement strong evaluation practices and to structure their programs in a way that allows for measurable community and economic impact. Preference may be given to organizations with demonstrated success in community-based economic development or a clear strategy for reaching underserved rural populations. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school districts, or government entities—or be fiscally sponsored by such an organization. In addition, they must operate within or directly serve communities located in the Patterson Family Foundation’s defined catchment area, which includes select counties in Kansas and western Missouri. As with all opportunities from this funder, organizations are advised to review the catchment map and confirm eligibility prior to initiating the application process. Fiscal sponsors must have a formal agreement in place and ensure that all grant funds are managed appropriately. The grant application process begins with registration through the Patterson Family Foundation’s Grants Portal. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants may submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Selected LOIs will then be invited to complete a full proposal, including a detailed project plan, budget, and supporting documents. The 2026 application cycle is divided into two rounds: LOIs for Round 1 must be submitted by February 18 with full proposals due by April 3; Round 2 LOIs are due May 13, with final applications closing June 29. All deadlines end at 12:00 PM CST. Funding notifications will be sent by June and September, respectively, with awards disbursed in July and October. Applicants are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and ensure all materials are submitted by the deadlines. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Technical support is available through the Foundation’s website and Grants Portal. Strong proposals will articulate the role of entrepreneurship in local economic growth and demonstrate how funded activities will lead to scalable, sustainable support for rural business owners.

Strong proposals should measure entrepreneur outcomes and demonstrate new or strengthened ecosystem partnerships.